Slubbing device



2:1; 7, 1949. a w. BYERS 2,472,283

SLUBBING DEVICE Filed July 1, 1947 'INVENTOR. I GEORGE W BYERS posed, which Patented June 7, 1949 2.412.283 surname DEVICE George W. Byers,

American Viscose. Corporation,

Glen Mills, Pa., assignor to Wilmington,

Del., a corporation of Delaware Application July 1, 1947, Serial No. 758,438

' 19 Claims. (01. -1-30 as spinning frames and roving frames are employed, depending upon the particular nature of the work to be done and the strand product desired. All of these machines have a feature in common, which is the inclusion of a feed roll over which the strand that is being treated passes. This feed roll determines the speed at which the strand is fed to the other instrumentalities of the particular machine.

There is today in the textile and related trades a very noticeable demand for a so-called irregular yarn; that is a yarn in which the diametrical dimension varies at different points" along the yarn.

In order to satisfy this demand various attachments for spinning machines have been proare effective to vary the speed at which the feed roll is driven; this variation being evidenced in the finished yarn in the irregular structure of the latter. However, the known attachments for this purpose have not proven to be entirely satisfactory and this condition is attributed mainly to the complex nature of the now'known attachments, and the lack of positiveness in their operation.

With these conditions in mind this invention has in view as its foremost object to provide a means for slubbing yarn or the like which requires no intricate or complicated mechanism for changing the speed of the feed rolls, and which can be readily mounted on a spinning, or roving, machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for varyingihe size of the slub produced.

A further object of the present invention is. to provide a means for varying the regularity of the slubs produced.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a study of the following drawings and description therefor hereinafter. 1

-In the drawings illustrative of the invention:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of an embodiimparted thereto IS ,on which the strand (in the formeeither of a- 2 ment of the present invention mounted on a drafting mechanism.

Figure 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figurel.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an elevation of a modification.

Figure 4a is an end view of the strand engaging elements 25' and 25a looking in the direction of thearrows A, A of Figure 4.

Figure 4b is a view looking down at a further modification of the elements 25' and 25a of Figure 4.

Figure 5 isa plan view showing the means employed for mounting a plurality of slubbing arms on a. conventional spinning machine or roving machine.-

Figure 6 is an elevational view partly in section of the means shown in Figure 5 taken along section line VI'-VI of Figure 5. I

Referring now to Figure l to 3, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts, reference characters i and 2 indicate two spools of a creel 3 on which the strands T and T which may be either slivers or rovings are wound respectively. Each of the spools may contain strands of the same or ofdifferent fibers. One or more of the strands are drawn 01f a corresponding number of the spools of the creel so that they are fed together to a drafting mechanism,'which maybe that of a rovingframe or a spinning frame, comprising the slubbing device. They pass side by side or in contiguous relationship over, around and under the upper pressure roll 4 and sure roll '5 and the back roll 6 which assembly .or set of rolls may be termed the restraining rolls of the drafting system which also comprises a set of drawing rolls l0 and I2 at the front. The feed roll l2 may'be fluted as shown. These rolls are all rotatably mounted on the supporting shafts 1,, 8, 9, II, and I3 respectively. Rotation is imparted to the two pressure rolls 1 andj jby the back' roll 9 which has rotation imparted thereto by a driving means (not 1 pressure roll l0 derives its rotation from'the feed roll l2 which is driven by means (not shown) at a peripheral speed higher than th'at'ofthe back roll 6. Ordinarily the strand passesflfdirectl'y from the set'of restraining rolls to the set 0f drawing rolls. From there the strand has a twist by the 'fiy'er l4 'onthespindl'eroving oryarn') is wound.

' According to this invention, rovings, yarns, "or

around and between the pressimilar strands of wool, cotton. artificial silk or the like produced from staple are given a regular or systematic irregularity in count by varying the draft in the course of their formation so as to stretch them variously at any desired intervals. The varying stretch or drawing imparted to the strands results in a correspondingly varying count or weight, the variations or slubs occurring at any desired intervals and at any desired degree. The slubbing may be performed only in the roving frame in which event the ultimate yam will have portions of greater and lesser count in alternation and each of the portions will be of considerable length because of the subsequent drafting in the spinning frame. If slubbing is performed only in the spinning stage, the yarn will contain relatively short lengths of lesser count alternating with portions having the normal count-the difference in count can but need not be made much greater than in the case just mentioned since no subsequent drafting need be performed on the yarn. There is still a third possibility in that the sliver fed to the roving frame may be converted to a slubbed roving and the roving can be slubbed in the spinning frame. B controlling the frequency of slubs in the two frames, it is possible to avoid a repetition or patterning" of the slubs in a fabric produced from the slubbed yarn, which is most advantageously used as the filling. Thus, the irregularities produced in the roving stage can be disposed out of phase with respect to the irregularities produced in the spinning stage.

When a plurality of strands of diiferent character are employed, numerous novelty efl'ects may be obtained. Thus a wool roving can be combined with a rayon roving, and either or both of them may be slubbed. Again a rayon sliver may be combined with a wool silver and one of them may be slubbed in the roving stage while the other 4 The periphery of the cam is generally in the shape of a spiral. That is the radii of the cam gradually increase until they reach a maximum at the origin of the curve. However, it is to be understood that a cam of any shape may be used so long as it imparts a drawing action to the roving or other strand by means of its follower arm. When the cam is rotated it causes the indicator arm 22 and a slubbing arm 25 which is adjustablymounted thereon to slowly rise to a maximum height and then suddenly drop when the follower drops to a point X on the cam. At this point the slubbing arm 25 swings back to a position below the normal course or path of the strands so that the arm 25 is not in contact with the strands, but as the cam rotates the slubbing arm contacts the thread and slowly draws and stretches the strand. The slow movement has very little, if any, effect upon the size of the strand, but the sudden drop of arm 25 corresponding to the cam fall to point X reduces the draft momentarily and thereby causes the formation of aslub. The greater the drop of arm 25, the larger the slub. As shown more particularly in Figure l the slubbing arm is in contact with the thread T; however, it is to be understood that this arm may draw either or both of the yarns to form a slub thereon.

Means are provided for changing the size and the regularity of formation of the slubs. An indicator disc 26 is flxedly secured to the indicator arm 22. An indicator shaft 21 is mounted perpendicularly in the center of the indicator disc. Fixedly secured to the free end of the shaft.

is an adjusting knob 28. Fixedly secured to the shaft 21 between the knob 28 and the flanged portion 29 of said shaft is the slubbing arm 25. This slubbing arm acts as an indicator arm to denote the size of the slubs to be formed. The

49 size of the slubs formed is directly proportional may be slubbed in the spinning stage. In this case, the frequency of occurrence of one type of slub in the final yarn may be an integral multiple of the frequency of occurrence of the other type of slub to produce patterning or such relationship can be avoided to prevent regularity or patterning in yarn and the fabric. Alternatively, all of the strands of different materials may be slubbed on the roving frame and only one of them slubbed on the spinning frame. This variation of slubbing is imparted to the yarn by a slubbing attachment generally indicated by reference character IS in Figures 1, 2, and 3.

Referring now to these figures of the drawing, reference character I! indicates a spring retaining screw on which the premure spring I! is secured by suitable means such as by a wifig nut l9. Suitably secured between the wing nut l9 and the pressure spring I8 is a shaft means 20 on which the slubbing attachment ll is pivotally mounted. The slubbing attachment It comprises a cam follower arm 2| and an indicator arm 22 which is angularly spaced a predetermined 'distance from the cam follower arm to form a bell crank. As illustrated a cam follower 23 is suitably located and mounted on the cam follower arm 2|. Although this follower has been shown as a roller follower it can readily be seen that any type follower maybe utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The follower 23 contacts a cam 24 which may be suitably mounted on the side of the pres- -:sure roll It and is rotatable therewith. However it may be mounted in any way so long as it is rotatable and located near the cam follower.

to the amount of draw and stretch imparted to the strand or, more simply, it is proportional to the strand deflection caused by the upward swinging of arm 25 because this determines the effect of the sudden drop of arm 25. A greater drawing or deflection creates a larger slub. By a larger slub is meant one having a greater diameter. To form a larger slub it is necessary to increase the strand deflection which can be done by loosening the nut 30 on the indicator shaft 21 and turning the knob 28 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1. To form a smaller slub it follows that the knob 25 should be turned in a clockwise direction.

Figures 4, 4a, and 4b illustrate an embodiment having a plurality of strand engaging elements 25 and 25a, each for deflecting a separate strand or group of strands at difl'erent times. As shown the mechanism for operating lement 25' is identical with that of Figures 1 to 3 for the element 25 therein. However, a separate and independently operable bell crank lever comprising arms 2 la and 22a is mounted pivotally on shaft 20 to the rear (as viewed in Figure 4) of the lever for element 25'. The arm 2la has a follower 23a for engaging the cam 24 at a position angularly displaced from that of cam 23 so that the bell crank levers are operated correspondingly in succession and there is a time interval between their drops to the low point X of the cam. Instead of using the same cam, a separate cam may be employed for operating each lever. This has advantages in that the followers need not be so widely separated (angularly about a single cam) since the 'abrupt drop of one cam can be displaced angularly any amount from the other cam. The other arm 22a carries a fixed calibrated disc 26a and an angularly adjustable shaft 21a to which is secured the knurled button 280 and the strand engaging element 25a. The elements 25' and 250. are offset and of modified construction so that they can operate upon separate strands.

As shown more clearly in Figure 4a, element 25 has a hook-shaped foot 40 adapted to loosely encircle the one strand or group of strands represented by T. The side of the hook adjacent the other strand or strands T is gently curved as in the-form of a semicircle or the bottom of the letter U to prevent any possible entry of the strand orstrands T' into the book 40 and to facilitate free riding of such strands past the hook 40 during relative motion, therebetween.

The element 25a has a laterally extending portion ll crossingover the strands a sufficient distance thereabove to avoid interference between such portion 4| and the strands at all times of their movement. A laterally ofiset portion 42 terminates in a hook-shaped foot portion 43 which is .gently curved in a manner similar to that of-hook Ill and encircles the strand or strands T. It is possible in this modification to have an additional strand or strands not encircled by either of the hooks 40 or 43.

Figure 4b shows a modified arrangement of the strand engaging elements 25"and 25a which does not necessitate the special construction of Figure 4a. As shown, the foot of element 25' is straight as in Figures 1 to 3 and extends over strand T but under strand T' whereas 25a has a similar foot extending under strand T and over strand '1'. When the elements are in their lower positions, the strands pass the feet ofthe elements with a light rubbing action but when either of the elements lift'up, the strand or strands lifted thereby are deflected around the element under which it passes as well as by the element over which it passes. I

In this embodiment, other novelty effects can be obtained particularly when the strand or strands lifted by one element are of difierent fibers than that or thoselifted by the other element. The angle of displacement of the cam followers 23 and 23a about the center of cam 24 may be as much as 180 though smaller angles of 45 to 130 or so are generally preferred. In the case of a 180 separation, the cam may have a 180 dwell of the same small radiusof point X extending from such point and this dwell maybe followed by a gradual rise to the maximum from which a sudden drop to point X may be provided. As shown in Figure 4, the drop may be undercut to accommodate the differently swinging followers. I

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate ameans for mounting a plurality of such slub producing arms on a common shaft. The slubbing attachments 3| are substantially the same as the 'one illustrated in Figures 2, 3, and 4 excepting that the cam follower arm 2l is omitted. Each slubbing attachment 3| is fixedly secured to a common shaft member 32. The slubbing attachments are spaced so that they are or will be.in contact with the strands coming from the spools when the cam means is in a position to warrant that contacting. The shaft member is placed in the bearing members 33 and 34 so that it is readily removable therefrom. Since the shaft may be readily mounted and dismounted from a roving machine or spinning machine it can be seen that a slubthe corresponding drop of i 6 Y bing device of this type adds to the versatility of the aforementioned machines.

Oscillatory motion is imparted to the shaft 32 and slubbing arms 3| by the cam follower arm 35 which is fixedly secured to the shaft 32. The cam follower arm is inconstant contact with the cam 36.

A slubbing arrangement of the type just described is advantageous in that less cams are required for operation and it is easier to mount and dismount from a spinning, or roving, machine.

Although this invention has been described with reference to improvements shown, it will readily be appreciated that numerous changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as describedin the appended claims.

I claim: 7

1. In a drafting-mechanism, a set of restraining rolls, a set of drawing rolls, means for driving both sets of rolls, the drawing rolls at rate of linear speed than the restraining rolls,-

a slubbing device betweenthe drawing rolls and restraining .rolls comprising an element disposed for engaging a strand passing between both sets of rollers, and means for'oscillating the element to vary the path of the strand between the drawing rolls and the restraining rolls.

2. ma drafting mechanism, a set of restraining rolls, a set of drawing rolls, means for driving both sets of rolls, the drawing rolls at a higher rate of linear speed than the restraining rolls, a slubbing device between the drawing rolls and restraining rolls comprising a plurality of elements disposed for engaging a strand passing between both sets of rollers, and means for oscillating, the elements to vary the path of the strand between the drawing rolls and the restraining rolls. v

3. In a drafting mechanism, a set of restraining rolls, a set of drawing rolls, means for driving both sets of rolls, the drawing rolls at a higher rate of linear speed than the restraining rolls, a slubbing device between the drawing rolls and restraining rolls comprising an element disposed for engaging a strand passing between both sets of rollers, and cam means for oscillating the element to Vary the path of the strand between the drawing rolls and the restraining rolls.

4. In a drafting mechanism, a set of restraining rolls, a set of drawing rolls, means for driving bothsets of rolls, the drawing rolls at a higher rate of linear speed than'the restraining rolls, a

slubbing device between the drawing rolls and restraining rolls comprising a plurality; of elements disposed for engaging a plurality of strands passing between both sets of rollers, cam means for oscillating the elements in timed relation to vary the path of the strands between the drawing rolls and the restraining rolls.

'5. In a drafting mechanism, a set of restraining rolls, a set or drawing rolls, means for driving both sets of rolls, the drawing rolls at a higher rate of linear speed than the restraining rolls, a slubbing device between the drawing rolls and restraining rolls which has a strand engaging element that moves to and away from a strand that is passing between both sets of rollers, a cam, means for rotating the cam, a bell crank connecting the cam with the engaging element which is oscillated by the cam to vary the path of the strand between the drawing rolls and the rea highering rolls, a set of drawing rolls, means tor driving both sets of rolls, the drawing rolls at a higher rate of linear speed than the restraining rolls, a slubbing device between the drawing rolls and restraining rolls which has a strand engaging element that moves to and away from a strand that is passing between both sets oi rollers, a cam, means for rotating the cam, a bell crank, one arm of the bell crank carrying a cam follower and which contacts said' cam, the other arm carrying the strand engaging element which oscillates due to the rotation of the cam, to vary the path of the strand between the drawing rolls and the restraining rolls. I

7. In a drafting mechanism a set 01' restrainingrolls, a set of drawing rolls, means for driving both sets 01' rolls, the drawing rolls at a higher rate of linear speed than the restraining rolls which has a yarn engaging element that moves to and away from a strand that is passing between both sets of rollers, a cam, means for continuously varying the rotation of the cam, a bell crank comprising a follower arm and an adjustable arm, said adjustable arm carrying the strand contacting element which oscillates, due to the rotation of the cam, to vary the path of the strand between the drawing rolls and the restraining rolls, means for changing the angular relationship between the strand contacting element and the adjustable arm.

8. The method of forming a yarn or varying count comprising subjecting a strand to a drafting action as it proceeds from a set of driven restraining rolls to a set of driven drawing rolls operating at a higher peripheral speed than the restraining rolls, intermittently deflecting the path of the strand gradually at some point between the drawing rolls and restraining rolls, and suddenly releasing the strand from its deflected path.

9. The method of forming yarns oi? .varying count comprising subjecting a plurality of strands to a drawing action as they proceed from a set of driven restraining rolls to a set of driven drawing rolls operating at a higher peripheral speed than the restraining rolls, intermittently deflecting the path gradually of at least one oi the strands at some point between the drawing rolls and restraining rolls, and suddenly releasing each deflected strand from its deflected path.

10. The method of claim 9 in which all of the'strands are deflected.

11. The method of claim 9 in which several of the strands are deflected at difle'rent times.

8 12. The method or claim 9 in which at least 'two or the strands contain diflerent flbers.

13. The method of forming a yarn of varying count comprising subjecting a sliver to a drafting action as it proceeds from a set of driven restraining rolls to a set oi! driven drawing rolls operating at a higher peripheral speed than the restraining rolls, intermittently deflecting the path of the sliver between the sets 01' rolls and twisting the strand leaving the drawing rolls to produce a roving of varying count; subjecting the roving to a drafting action as it proceeds from a set of driven restraining rolls to a set of driven drawing rolls operating at a higher peripheral speed than the restraining rolls, intermittently deflecting the path of the roving as it passes between the sets of rolls, and twisting the strand leaving the last mentioned drawing rolls to produce a yarn of varying count.

14. The method of claim 13 in which a plurality 01' slivers are passed in contiguity through the first drafting stage.

15. The method of claim 14 in which the roving produced by the first drafting stage is combinedwith another r ving during the second drafting stage.

16. The method of claim 14 in which one of the slivers is of one material and another is of another material.

1'7. The method 01 claim 14 in which one of the slivers is or rayon and another is or wool.

18. Themethod or claim 16 in which the roving produced in the first drafting stage is combined with another roving.

19. The method 01' claim 16 in which th frequency of deflection in the two drafting stages is predetermined to provide an irregularity which prevents patterning.

GEORGE W. BYERS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

